Pages

April 29, 2012

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

Read an installment of a series.

Share your review/recommendation below.

Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is A Teeny Bit of Trouble,
the second book in the Teeny Templeton series by Michael Lee West. It's not every day that a lady calls and accuses you of spying on her. Then when you actually do spy on her, you witness her murder. EEK! Then mix in your lawyer-boyfriend's secrets, a ten-year-old that may be his daughter, a flirtatious ex-boyfriend that keeps popping up bearing soul food and desserts, and trying to decode a stolen diary. It's a recipe for trouble. And our favorite freelance baker, Teeny Templeton, has found it.

I just love Teeny. In just two books, she is a well-developed character that will draw any reader's interest. The first thing you notice is Teeny's humor. The first lines of A Teeny Bit of Trouble are an example. But it is the small character details about Teeny that are shown, not told, that make me love Michael Lee West's writing. Quirks like keeping a yearly tally of lies told, owning a colorful wardrobe where the only black outfit is a scuba suit, being too short, and using bad grammar are just a few of the qualities that make Teeny a memorable character. Best of all, she makes recipes that make me wipe drool from my NOOK screen. (Did you see the book cover with red velvet cupcakes?!) Some of the catchy titled recipes in this second installment include "The Right to Remain Silent Salsa" and "I've Already Hired an Attorney Chips."

What I love most about this series are the not-so-easy-to-figure-out mysteries. Just when I think I have the mystery solved, the real culprit comes from left field. Michael Lee West keeps us guessing and hungrily turning the pages.

April 27, 2012

First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

Grab your current read(s).

Share the first line(s).

Include the title and author.

"It's not every day that I bake a dozen red velvet cakes, learn that my boyfriend has a love child, and I witness a murder. To calm down, I invented a whole menu based on the Miranda warning. My favorite is Anything-You-Say-Can-Be-Used-Against-You Quiche."

April 26, 2012

I read Steve Harvey's Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man when it first released in early 2009. Back then, the book
made a huge ruckus among the black community. Black men thought Steve
Harvey were giving away secrets and being a traitor. Black women felt he
was genuinely trying to help single sisters out in the dating game by
revealing how men think and what men really want. The hoopla will
probably rise again as more people watch the movie.

I saw Think Like a Man during opening weekend with two friends. The theater was crowded. Lots of people showed up to support Steve Harvey's book-turned-to-movie. I had high hopes because of the all-star cast and content. Actors included Michael Ealy, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Gary Owen, Jenifer Lewis, Terrance J, Gabrielle Union, Jerry Ferrara and Romany Malco.

So what did I think of the movie adaptation? Well, it chose good aspects of the book to play out on the big screen. The 90-day Rule, Successful Independent Woman and Single Mother were among the story lines. At times, the movie
seemed like an extra long infomercial for the 3-year-old dating guide. The actors would play out a scene, then all of a sudden Steve Harvey and his teeth pop out of nowhere offering commentary. So random! But most of all, I laughed at Kevin Hart's character. Casting Hart was
a good choice; I wouldn't have liked the movie as much without his
character of the recently-divorced man and his narration.

The movie is sure to spark conversation with your significant other or friends. I had a great conversation with my two friends about certain dating practices, scenarios and "what ifs." Check out the trailer below then share your thoughts on Think Like a Man.

April 25, 2012

There are two things for certain when I read a Nicholas Sparks novel. 1) I am guaranteed to get emotionally involved in the love story, especially if it involves tragedy. 2) I will shed at least one tear.

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks was originally published in 2008. It is now in theaters starring the dreamy-eyed Zac Efron! I have read mixed reviews. Some call it silly; others thought it was a tearjerker romance. Check out the trailer below. Be sure to leave a comment with your reviews of the movie.

April 24, 2012

"Everyone wanted to keep their job because, in a bad economy, a person who had a job was fortunate even if he or she worked for Starbucks. Living on fumes was not cute." Preach, sister!

Charlene is a likable character with real-life situations and realistic dialogue. Since the age of nineteen, she worked and raised two kids. Now she is divorced and the executive assistant to the general manager of start-up network, The Gay Channel.

The title describes it all. Black Girl @ The Gay Channel is about a black girl working at the gay channel. Charlene is the only straight woman working at the channel and one of two blacks. Awkward! Regardless of the workplace environment, the channel still has the same office politics as other offices. Gossip, drama, secret affairs and interactions that warrant giving notice to Human Resources.

Meanwhile, Charlene's personal life is just as eventful. She shares parenting with a neighbor (who caught her husband on the "down low"), goes through a custody battle with her ex-husband, and starts a new relationship with a man who works as security at The Gay Channel. Sound interesting? It was. The story was also funny. I just wish there was more conflict and detail to her personal life instead of majority office goings-on. Then again, check the title. It was meant to focus on the black girl's work life.

This was my first book read by author Darlyne Baugh. Her writing flows, is clear, and is easy to follow. I will definitely check out her future releases.

DISCLAIMER: This book was received directly from the author for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

April 22, 2012

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

Read an installment of a series.

Share your review/recommendation below.

Include the title, author and series name.

I started this blog meme because I absolutely love reading series. It is great to follow characters' growth and adventures through several books. What I do not like is when a series goes downhill. The characters do not show growth and are too predictable. The story lines are a bore. There is no element of surprise or looking forward to the next book in a series. The author is obviously continuing on with the series to make bucks off of loyal fans.

April 18, 2012

Introducing Library Link! Finally there is an app that allows library users to manage their account while mobile. It is available in the App Store. I've downloaded it onto my iPhone and tried exploring its features. According to the menu, you can check alert messages, current book loans, your local library hours and location, scan ISBN's and even renew materials. But I get an error message when trying to link my library. I get another error message when searching for an author or title. Library Link's server does not respond. WOMP!

Pippa Middleton has a party-planning book releasing in October.

April is Autism Awareness Month. Check your public library for information on autism.

April 17, 2012

At first, the thought of rereading seems like a waste of time and unnecessary. Why reread a book if you already know the plot and ending? Well let me explain why I reread. There are certain classics and favorite books that I reread multiple times. I like to revisit the characters. Perhaps pick up on a small detail I missed while reading the first go-round. It also recreates the scenes and story. My main reason for rereading is to observe changes in my own life. What I interpreted at 16 years old is different from my interpretation as a thirty-year-old. It shows how different I am and how I've grown since first encountering a book.

Can rereading backfire? Unfortunately, it can. It happens on rare occasions that what I thought was a well written book a few years ago is now a mediocre piece. For that reason, I am picky on which books to reread. Sometimes it is best to leave a story where it is.

In an article titled What We Learn in Rereading, Chuck Leddy states, "A writer who doesn't like reading and rereading is like an Olympic swimmer who's afraid of jumping in the pool, an almost unseen phenomenon." Well said.

April 15, 2012

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

Read an installment of a series.

Share your review/recommendation below.

Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is F is for Fugitive,
the 6th book in the Kinsey Millhone alphabet mystery series by Sue
Grafton. Seventeen years ago, the body of teenager Jean Timberlake was found on the beach. Her boyfriend Bailey Fowler was convicted for the murder, but soon escaped from prison. Bailey is finally captured after many years of being a fugitive and now wishes to clear his name. Private Investigator Kinsey Millhone has been hired to find the real killer.

This installment of the series did not hold my attention. I barely made it through with all the unnecessary details and wordiness. I also figured out the killer very early on. I kept putting the book down hoping Sue Grafton would get to the point already. This is only the 6th book in the series (which is currently at the V mark of the alphabet) so I won't let this one book stop me from catching up on the others.

April 8, 2012

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

Read an installment of a series.

Share your review/recommendation below.

Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is I Heart Vegas, the 4th book in the I Heart series by Lindsey Kelk. Angela is living with her indie band boyfriend in New York. She loves her new life in the States, but now she may be forced to return back to London. Her visa is expired! She no longer has a job. And she's trying to keep it all from her boyfriend. Best friend Jenny-from-the-block plans a getaway trip to Vegas. You can just imagine the fun and trouble they get into in Sin City.

As usual, I love the writing of Lindsey Kelk. She is a great chick lit author. You can get your career started as an author with the Guide to Career Education. Kelk's books are perfect for what I call "mindless" reading. I don't have to think too hard about the plot. Just sit back and enjoy each page. But there were moments when Angela just bothered me. Her actions were annoying during this book. I looked forward to the scenes with Jenny more.

You can read I Heart Vegas as a standalone even if you didn't read the previous I Heart books. The reading is light, fun and easy. Though I am really looking forward to the next book of the series: I Heart London.

April 4, 2012

“I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today,
life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you
can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three
things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents,
you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that
making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned
that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you
shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need
to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide
something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've
learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've
learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People
love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I
still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what
you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget
how you made them feel.”

April 3, 2012

Steve Stoute, founder and CEO Translation Consulting & Brand Imaging, is one of the most credible sources to discuss tanning. He has a diverse background in the music industry, successful at brand marketing, and is in tune to the new generation of consumers. Steve Stoute was also inducted into the Advertising Hall of Achievement. His clients include McDonald's, State Farm, Target, Jay-Z and Reebok, Lady Gaga and MAC Cosmetics. He is also the managing director and CEO of popular hair and body care line Carol's Daughter. Enough receipts? Yes.

Tanning of America is an informative must-read for entrepreneurs, businessmen and women, and established companies who want to understand how to appeal to today's consumers. It's also an interesting read for hip-hop lovers and marketing gurus. I learned a lot of tips that will help improve my own brand, as well as enjoy an interview with Eminem, stories of Jay-Z and Run D.M.C., and the history of hip-hop. This book is a cost-effective lesson!

Visit www.tanningofamerica.com for more info.But first, watch the video below of Steve Stoute as he explains what tanning is, and why the hip-hop culture matters to marketers.

April 1, 2012

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

Read an installment of a series.

Share your review/recommendation below.

Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is The Reverend's Wife, the 9th book in the Reverend Curtis Black series by Kimberla Lawson Roby. The story begins with Charlotte excited about the huge birthday bash that her and husband Reverend Curtis are throwing for four-year-old daughter Curtina. Yes, the stepdaughter she once hated. The stepdaughter she once refused to accept but now loves as her own child. But Charlotte's new acceptance of Curtina does not change Curtis' mind. He still intends to divorce her.

The well-known Reverend Curtis Black has been married three times. Followers of this series were hoping the third time with Charlotte would be the final charmed marriage. But Curtis just cannot forgive his third wife, Charlotte, for having affairs—yes, affairs is plural. Now the 12-month celibate Curtis Black is ready to chuck the deuces at this marriage and find another wife. After all, a pastor can't stay single in the church, and Curtina needs a mother.

Deliverance Outreach has been rocked with scandal again. Sound familiar? Well it is a common occurrence for the church congregation to be disappointed by their pastor's sinful actions. But maybe it wasn't entirely his fault this time.

This is a classic case of karma. After all of Curtis' philandering ways, he finally met his match. Charlotte dished more dirt in their marriage and didn't value the sanctity of their union. Of all the years reading the previous books in this series, I waited for this day to come. For karma to meet Curtis. But now I'm actually rooting on his side. Arsenio Hall type of rooting! I believe he is a changed man and deserves committed love. You'll have to read this installment to see if he finds it and with whom.

Kimberla's writing skills have not faded. These characters are familiar to us and therefore predictable. But the author's words and scenes are so realistic that it played out like a movie as I read along. A movie that I could figure out the ending to, but it still held my interest as it played out. I am looking forward to the next book and scandal in this series. Hopefully it will star Reverend Curtis and Charlotte Black's son, Matthew. He is entering college and it will be very interesting to see how he copes as an adult. Maybe he will attend one of the accredited online colleges which could help him cope.